Pages

Blog Categories...

Tuesday, 31 December 2013

This New Years Eve me and Dan are heading to my mums for a quiet night of family celebrations. Usually we go out with our mutual friends, however with our schedules having become so hectic this year we've just decided to take a more relaxed approach to all festivities, plus were off to London New Years Day so we don't want to be too hungover as it's a long drive there. Roooaaadtrrriiip!!

The outfit...

Even though we are just staying in, that doesn't mean I won't get dressed up! After all it is still New Years Eve! I've decided to wear this sparkly dress from Primark, which I think cost around £13, as I love to add a bit of glitter, or a lot in this case, to outfits at this time of year! I've decided to team it with my Primark two tone heels, these were £6 in the sale, because I love them, but I cannot for the life of me walk in them! However from the car to the house I think I can just about manage! And just in case that doesn't make me feel like the ultimate Primark queen, I'm teaming these with my Primark statement necklace, £4 ish because it adds the finishing touch. To tie in the nude on my heels, yes I'm a girl who likes to match, I'll be taking this nude studded clutch from New Look with me to pop my phone and keys in.

On to the beauty bits...

Of course I'll be pulling out my new Guerlain sale purchases, including the velvet body milk, to double up on this gorgeous scent, to ensure I smell scent-sational, see what I did there? all night long! I haven't yet used my new Mac palette, so I'll be giving this a try and keeping it simple with a subtle smokey eye, then adding my L'oreal colour riche lipstick in 461 scarlett creme to complete the NYE glam look.

Once my look is complete I'll try to squeeze in a picture in , before I head out the door and update this post :)

Sunday, 29 December 2013

I have always previously worked in retail, since I was 16 and therefore my boxing day has always been spent working! Having left retail in November I actually had the opportunity to do what I wanted, so of course it was spent having a lie-in and the rest of the day in my pj's before heading to my mum and dad's for nibbles and card games. I really wanted to hit the sales, but told myself I really didn't need anything! But that didn't last long! I only worked half a day on the 27th and 28th so I decided to hit the shops to see what was left in the sales, and I was actually quite surprised by what was left! Here's what I got...

27th...

The first shop I popped into was next, they didn't have a great deal left to be honest, but I saw this nightie, which I actually really wanted for Christmas, and they had one in my size left! At just £6 I couldn't resist!

I then spent forever between Debenhams and Boots looking for some perfume as I've ran out and only had a purse spray for Christmas which won't last me two minutes. I eventually decided to go for the Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau De Toilette, there is an Eau De Parfum but I asked to smell the testers and they couldn't be more different! I really don't like the latter, at all, but I fell in love with this one. At £17.75 how could I not?!

28th...

I've wanted to try the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream for so long, and I thought that I would check their prices for the festive sales. This limited edition little pot was down from £20 to £13.33 in the sale which I thought was pretty good, especially for this 30ml jar which in a multi-purpose balm should last a while as a little goes a long way with this.

Although these weren't technically on sale, I got some great bargains from The Body shop so I thought I would include them anyway. They do however currently have an offer on of buy one product, get one half price...

I decided I wanted to save my Guerlain perfume for best, which meant I needed an everyday perfume and I fell in love with this White Musk Smokey Rose scent a few weeks back. Honestly I thought this would have been on some sort of offer as it was in a Christmas package offer, but it was only £14 for both the Eau De Toilette and body wash so I was still pretty happy.

When I got to the till, the sales assistant asked for my membership card, and it's been that long since I've used it, as I always forget, she informed me that it had actually run out last year, as in 2012! How bad is that?! However for just £3, which was the signing up fee, it's usually £5, though I'm not sure why I got it cheaper, I got a free Warming Mineral Clay Mask worth £10 and because I forgot to collect my birthday gift last year, they still honored it, even though I didn't ask, and I got to choose a £5 gift for free. I chose this Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner as my face has been so sore lately with painful lumps under my skin and breakouts galore, lovely I know, so fingers crossed this works.

So in body shop I got four products and a membership card worth £36.50 for just £17.60, now that's what I call a bargain!

Overall I'm pretty happy with my purchases, I was pretty tame, I could have bought lots more and I am still considering going back for a Benefit set that I've seen on offer but I like what I got and I'm now stocked up on perfume :)

I have thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas, which has been spent with my family, eating, drinking and literally crying with laughter at card and board games. Aren't these just the best moments? I am so so grateful for the people that I have in my life and that I am lucky enough to spend time with them at this magical time of year!

One of my favourite things about Christmas is spoiling those that I love! Finding gifts that I know they will love and I too have been spoilt rotten this year! I was in two minds as to whether to do this post, as I don't want anyone to think that I am bragging in any way, because I'm not. I just love to see what everyone else receives for Christmas because I think it's nice to share what presents you got and let's face it, we're all nosy sods and if I love seeing these types of posts, I can guarantee others do too, so I thought why not? Here are some of my favourite presents...

Dan showed me just how well he knows me this year by spoiling me with the Canon EOS 1100D Camera, I've been saying how much I need to save up for one of these, and he's obviously been listening :) he got some serious brownie points here! I couldn't have been happier when I opened this present and I haven't put it down since. I'm still getting the hang of it, so please bear with my pictures whilst I get used to it, I'm so excited about using this for posts it will definitely make blogging all the more fun!

I chose this Temperley Ikat Organiser from my brother for Christmas, as I love the design and am intent on becoming organised in the new year, because this is definitely not my strong point.

I'm not going to say any more because I want to do a full review on this product soon...

My friend Sophie bought me this trinket box and earrings, which I absolutely adore! She always buys unique presents from little gift shops and I always look forward to my presents from her, as she always puts so much thought into them and I know not many other people will have them.

My mum and dad bought me this gorgeous little necklace which made me smile, as I'm a true romantic at heart and believe we really do 'live to love'.

My friend Stacy bought me these Yankee candle votives in the scent Snowflake cookie, which couldn't have made me happier! I'm obsessed with candles and I adore the sweet Christmas scents, I can't wait to get burning these!

My mum and dad know just how much I love my beauty products and I absolutely love storage, I even hoard storage boxes, so I was really excited to see this acrylic storage tray in my pile come Christmas morning! I've already crammed it full of lipsticks and various other beauty products, however I think I'm going to need a few more!

I did choose these two real techniques brushes, as my mum can't keep up with which ones I have and which ones I don't and I can't wait to use them, as I believe they really are the key to a flawless look!

We have a little shabby chic style gift shop in our town, which me, my mum and my sister love! We can never take a trip into town without popping in there and buying a little something. One thing that we've all come to love is the Bath House Perfumes, and my
mumma bought me my first one! It smells ah-mazing!

Last off is my
Mac goodies :) I've wanted to start a palette for so long, so I chose a few
bits from my mama who bought me the palette, Satin Taupe and Jest. My mum also
bought me Nylon and surprised me with Mac Hue, as I'd been banging on about it
for weeks. I just need one more eyeshadow now, any suggestions are welcome :)

I also got lots of smellies, chocolates, clothes and pajamas, you know, the usual stuff, but I just wanted to pick a few out to show you and I may put some of the bits together for other blog posts.

Tuesday, 24 December 2013

So Christmas is finally here, and although I had plenty of posts lined up, time got the better of me, and I apologise that I haven't got many done before Christmas, but I will be taking a few days off from blogging as I'm off to spend some quality time with my nearest and dearest, which will most likely consist of lots of food, alcohol, candles, blankets, presents, kisses, cuddles and laughter. I cannot wait!

So I would just like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope you all have an amazing time with your family and friends! Enjoy every minute and I will speak to you all soon....

Monday, 23 December 2013

A couple of weeks ago, I decided at the last minute to go to the Christmas party of the company I used to work at, I'd only left two weeks prior so I wasn't planning on going but I'd been asked by quite a few people to come, which made me feel pretty special so I decided to go. However I didn't decide until the day, meaning a mad dash straight from work to Primark for a new outfit and Boots for a new red lipstick...but what girl actually goes in for just a lipstick, and comes out with just a lipstick? Definitely not me!

The million carat gift comes free when you spend £15 on L'oreal products, so of course I needed some new makeup! Here's what I got...

I really wish that I loved this mascara! In so many ways I do! This lengthens lashes and creates volume like your lashes really are false. However there is one little blip...the fall out! This mascara seriously doesn't stop irritating my eyes, the fall out is pretty bad as it contains innovative lengthening fibres, which do amazing things to your eyelashes but aren't so good when they fall into your eyes. It applies well, and the brush helps the lashes to extend even further, it doesn't create lumps, it's pretty lightweight and it has good staying power, so the pros do outweigh the cons with this one, but unfortunately it's not for me.

I have far too many eyeliners and I most probably didn't need another one, but I wear it on a daily basis so they never go to waste. This eyeliner comes with a smudger, which is perfect for creating a smokey eye. I apply this daily on my waterline, and when I'm going out I'll apply this to the outer corners off my eyes and blend inwards to create a smokey look. This is so easy to apply and lasts all day long. The only problem is that it needs sharpening constantly but that doesn't put me off.

I was far too excited about this gift box, that I didn't actually read that this was a clear glitter topcoat and not a coloured mascara. This topcoat can be applied over the top of your usual mascara to give your lashes a hint of sparkle for those Christmas and New Year parties! I wouldn't personally go out and buy this product, as my eyes are easily irritated by small particles such as glitter, however I have used it on a few nights out recently and enjoyed using it, with no problems so far. It applies well and removes just as easily and everybody needs a little bit of sparkle at Christmas!

What girl doesn't need a classic red nail polish and lipstick? These are the perfect partners for a glamorous night for any girl!

As most of you know, I always have either gel polish or extensions on my nails, so I don't often get chance to use nail polish. Therefore this little beauty went straight into the hands of my mum, and she couldn't have been happier! I decided to have her in on the blog as I can't review something that i haven't used, and she did an amazing job...The thing that she loved most about this product was the brush, she said that she wishes all nail polish brushes were the same, because the brush is curved, and it 'practically paints the nail itself.' she even referred to it as 'the perfect nail brush.' The brush makes for easy application as it glides on, covering the nail with a gorgeous richness of colour. The colour is so dense that it looks amazing after one coat and doesn't necessarily need two. There is also no streaking and the polish dries quickly, meaning it's perfect for those last minute touch ups before a night out.

The lipstick was my favourite product as it is the perfect red for any occasion, and a girl can never have too many reds in her collection! right?! This applies smoothly, easily and stays put longer than most lipsticks I've tried! Let's just say it lasts more than a few drinks, unlike a lot of lipsticks I've tried that can barely stay put after one. I also love the gold packaging, because it adds to the classiness of the lipstick, it also clicks into place which I love on a lipstick case as it means that you don't have to worry about your lipstick coating the entire contents of your bag if the lid falls off! Please tell me it's not just me?!

I can't find these products to purchase separately so I'm guessing they are just one off purchases specially made for this box, so I'm pretty happy that I got them as the lipstick is seriously amazing!

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Eye of Horus are an Australian owned company who created their products after the girls behind the brand suffered from eye sensitivities themselves. They based their products on ancient Egyptian formulas and ingredients, using natural waxes and ancient Egyptian oils, such as the moringa oil used in their mascara, to create natural products suitable for sensitive eyes and they have finally made their products available to us in the UK.

Eye of Horus pride themselves on their efficient and fast delivery service, their high level of customer service and they promise not to test on animals. They promise to only offer high standard products, deliver exceptional customer service, provide fast delivery, stand by the product and listen to their customers. They also 100% customer satisfaction and promise not to use animal hair for any of their cosmetic brushes. Sounds promising right?!....

The Product...

Makeup is used to enhance your natural beauty and I am always on the hunt for a new mascara to enhance my eyes, as I consider these to be my best feature! Mascara is one of those 'can't live without' products, my eyes just feel so naked without it! However my eyes are seriously sensitive and they either stream, puff up or I end up with a dreaded sty, which is pretty sore, if an eye product doesn't agree with me. I thought that I found the perfect mascara, that was until this beauty was brought to my attention! I must admit, having not heard of this company until now, I wasn't sure what the product would be like and whether or not I would get on with it, but after using this daily since I received it, I have to say, I really do adore this mascara!

(Immediately after application.)

This mascara applies like a dream, with no clumping in sight, the flexible brush makes for easy application whilst the mascara naturally curls and lengthens your lashes as the wax sets, and I find that with two coats, with around 60 seconds in between each, you can achieve amazing volume too. The staying power is what seriously amazes me! I apply this at 7am in a morning before work and at 10pm it still looks just the same, with no smudging or panda eyes due to the wonderful wax based formula, leaving your mascara looking fresh all day long (see pictures below). The best thing I have found, is that you don't feel like your wearing mascara! I find that some are way too heavy, they have fibres constantly falling in your eyes and clumps so big they kinda hurt, a little too dramatic? you get the jist! With this mascara, there are no clumps, no fall out and it's literally weightless! I seriously cannot find a fault!

(Around 15 hours after application, there is no smudging, the lashes are still curled and it still looks freshly applied! Sorry about the pictures, they were taken late and I purposely didn't retouch them to show the true effects.)

This product could not be easier to remove, with the website suggesting that you simply just need warm water and a face washer to do so, I do use my trusty Liz earle cleanser, warm water and a muslin cloth to remove mine, but it simply comes of in a few swipes, with no elbow grease required.

Recently I have been trying to be more conscious about the products I buy, how they are made and the ingredients they contain, therefore questioning whether or not I should buy the product and Eye of Horus make this such a simple task. They are one of the few companies that do not test on animals, are completely paraben free and although their products are not classified as 100% natural they do use as many natural products as possible.

I would seriously recommend this mascara to everyone! I am in complete awe of how amazing it really is and I will most definitely purchase another when this one runs out.

Monday, 16 December 2013

I hope you all had an amazing weekend and are all in the festive spirit ready for next week! Eeeek! Can you tell I am?

Last week I really wasn't feeling very festive at all! Everybody was talking about Christmas but I just wasn't in the festive spirit and I was really disappointed because I just love Christmas and am thee biggest kid about it all! Therefore this weekends mission was to make me feel Christmassy! Is that even a word?!

Saturday night after work was part one of my mission so I made Dan call at Morrisons to get me some marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles so that I could make hot chocolates, I then came in, had a shower, put on my favourite PJ's, made a hot chocolate and watched Sleepless in Seattle with a Pizza Hut. Dan wasn't too happy with the film of choice but this was the first time I had watched this film and I really loved it!

Sunday after Dan came home from football we headed to Tesco to finish off our Christmas shopping. I decided to take a quick look at the coats, as I've been searching for one since around september but I just haven't managed to find one I loved. That was until I saw this beauty in Tesco! I loved it as soon as I saw it but thought £60 was rather pricey for Tesco! or is it just me? I actually tried it on in the hope that it wouldn't look as good on, so that I wouldn't want to come back for it, does anyone else do this? However I loved it even more on and simply had to have it! I couldn't leave it on the rail all alone, it needed a new home! Honestly! I can't actually believe its an F&F coat though, I think it looks quite topshop-esque andI'm crazy about faux fur right now, so I think it was the perfect choice for me.

We then headed into town to get our Christmas cards for the family and some wrapping paper as we'd run out, then we got some lunch and headed home. I put Michael Buble's Christmas album on whilst I finished my wrapping, and then we settled down to watch TV.

Today I got up super early with Dan and he dropped me off at my mums on his way to work, me and mum decided to have a Christmassy day and put up the tree, as she's been too busy to put it up before now. We had such a laugh, dancing around the room to Michael Buble's Christmas album, it's been on non-stop, and we couldn't help but laugh putting the lights up on the tree, as mum likes things perfect whereas I just throw them on any old how, so mum spent most of her time rearranging the lights that I'd put on :D I also spent the morning queuing on the Capital FM website trying to buy Beyonce tickets, I spent 35 minutes in a queue, I was then diverted to the page, where I was deciding which seats I wanted however I must have taken too long as it put me back in the queue, how frustrating? By the time I got back to the page to buy tickets, the only ones left were £94 which I couldn't justify paying, don't get me wrong I love Beyonce but that's a lot to spend and Dan was paying so I felt a little guilty and decided to leave it, also I needed three tickets but they were only allowing you to purchase two so I didn't get any :(

After lunch me and mum headed into town as she had a few presents left to get, we then ended our lovely day with a black forest hot chocolate with soya milk at Costa and had a good natter. I love spending the day with my mum as I don't get to see her as much since I moved out and have been working full time. She always helps me with my problems and we always have a good laugh, she's not just my mum but my best friend :) cliched? maybe! But true!

What have you been up to this weekend? Are you feeling Christmassy yet?